We are barely into the New Year but more than half of working Britons are
already "skint", having spent last month's pay cheque. a survey
has suggested.

Some 53pc of people in full-time employment said that all of their disposable income has been swallowed up, according to the study by myvouchercodes.

More than two-thirds of respondents received their salary earlier than normal in December - but when asked: "Are you happy that you were paid earlier than in normal months?", more than a third of them (37pc) said no.

In addition to those who have already blown all their left-over cash, a fifth said they have less than £100 spending money once all bills have been paid to last them the entire month of January.

In contrast, a prudent 14pc of those surveyed said that they were "no worse off" than in other months.

Households have seen their incomes squeezed over the past year as living costs have remained high and workers have endured deteriorating employment conditions, including wage freezes and small pay rises which have not kept up with bills.